Marie Curie’s dream duo countdown to Cambodia

In Caroline’s seventh year working as a nurse for Marie Curie, she met Sandra Wilkinson whilst providing overnight care for her husband Roger. Roger was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2016 and was cared for at home by Marie Curie nurses in the final stages of his life until he passed away in April 2018.

Last year, our nurses provided 827 visits across the Vale of York to people like Roger, living with a terminal illness. Caroline and her colleagues visit people’s homes between 10 pm and 7 am, giving time for the family to get some respite and ensuring that they can make the most of the time they have together.

After Rodger passed away, Caroline continued to support Sandra through this difficult time and their friendship grew. In November 2018 Sandra and Caroline signed up to a sponsored trek in Cambodia, fundraising for Marie Curie in Roger’s memory. Today, a month before they depart for Asia, they have raised over £8500 through donations, car boot sales, tombolas and collections.

This month, they will hold their final fundraising effort, a 24hour fishathon on York’s River Ouse. Caroline’s husband Mark and friend Phil, who are both keen fishermen, will cast their lines on the river at Blue Bridge Lane, York at on the 23rd August at 11am.

Sandra and Caroline will be on the riverbanks collecting for the duration and sharing their story with passers-by. They urge people to go along and support them to help raise as much money for Marie Curie as possible. The charity estimates that around 1,400 people in York could benefit from our services each year. The more money raised means that Caroline and the Vale of York nursing team can care for more patients and support more families who need our help.

The pair will be setting off for Cambodia on 5th October. Until then, Caroline will be training by day and nursing by night.